ZR2 Versus RHO?

[Bigfoot21075]

Hi Everyone,

i am currently waiting on the first slots of the 2027 ZR2 order spots to be opened. I was all ready to jump on this as soon as my dealer contact calls me. I recently started looking at other trucks just to see what was out there. The Raptor is outrageous $$ and I am not a huge fan of it to begin with. The RHO on the other hand looks pretty good and I am starting to warm up to the idea of a purpose built inline 6 twin turbo (as opposed to a motor where they just slap a turbo on any motor and call it a day).

Has anyone looked at the same comparison? The RHO is about 9 grand more equipped exactly like I want it as I get a GM employee discount. This is the last new vehicle I will ever buy barring some unforeseen cash windfall. I know the RHO makes more power and torque, but it sounds horrible doing so. I am really worried about the GM cylinder deactivation nightmares. Allegedly they will improve with the LS6, the RHO is more aggressive looking and RAM interiors are great. I know GM is working on their interiors so I am going to assume that is a wash.

If you compared the 2 what made you lean one direction or the other? I APPRECAITE your input!

Rob in Maryland

 

[AXE]

Hi Everyone,

i am currently waiting on the first slots of the 2027 ZR2 order spots to be opened. I was all ready to jump on this as soon as my dealer contact calls me. I recently started looking at other trucks just to see what was out there. The Raptor is outrageous $$ and I am not a huge fan of it to begin with. The RHO on the other hand looks pretty good and I am starting to warm up to the idea of a purpose built inline 6 twin turbo (as opposed to a motor where they just slap a turbo on any motor and call it a day).

Has anyone looked at the same comparison? The RHO is about 9 grand more equipped exactly like I want it as I get a GM employee discount. This is the last new vehicle I will ever buy barring some unforeseen cash windfall. I know the RHO makes more power and torque, but it sounds horrible doing so. I am really worried about the GM cylinder deactivation nightmares. Allegedly they will improve with the LS6, the RHO is more aggressive looking and RAM interiors are great. I know GM is working on their interiors so I am going to assume that is a wash.

If you compared the 2 what made you lean one direction or the other? I APPRECAITE your input!

Rob in Maryland

I run Rams for business and my Dad runs them for his personal use. For the most part, they have been good vehicles and come well equipped if you want to pay for all the goodies. They still have their quirks, recalls, and reliability concerns too. I just think that's the era were in now.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another GM or Ram truck. But I do so knowing they just haven't been the same for reliability, in spite of all performance and technology you get.

I say buy the truck you like the best and make sure your dealer has good service advisors and techs.

 

[22-ZR2]

I agree with AXE. Go drive both as the GM is restyled. You can get view points from other members but nothing beats test driving to decide for yourself which one you like best. As you stated the last new one you plan to buy so make sure you pick the right one for you.

 

[AXE]

My Dad just told me today the dealer called him cause he's got two outstanding recalls on his 26 Ram 1500 HO SST Laramie with the V6. It's a pretty nice rig loaded up with all the goods (even has the nanny state Spyware) and has some impressive giddy up.

Also just paid $3,500 to replace the grid heater (plenty of $15k failures on those) with an aftermarket unit and some other performance bits from Banks in his 24 2500 Ram with the Cummins.

Very few of them will be trouble free........pick your poison.

 

[mksz51]

Porsche Leads JD Power Study of Initial Quality, Ford Tops Mainstream Brands

The 911 doesn't just deliver thrills behind the wheel; it also leads the industry in fewest problems during the first part of ownership.

www.roadandtrack.com

Ram near the bottom - no thanks. Porsche tops all - I'm happy to own two of them in addition to my ZR2.

 

[AXE]

Porsche Leads JD Power Study of Initial Quality, Ford Tops Mainstream Brands

The 911 doesn't just deliver thrills behind the wheel; it also leads the industry in fewest problems during the first part of ownership.

www.roadandtrack.com

Ram near the bottom - no thanks. Porsche tops all - I'm happy to own two of them in addition to my ZR2.

They pay JD Powers licensing fees on the back end to put out those reports. It's mostly biased bullshit.

 

[AXE]

I just looked up the recalls on that Ram.....ironically, they are the same as a couple of the Silverado recalls.....LOL.

One is for the software on the electronic screens and the other is for failing brake control modules........they must know GMs suppliers.

If it was a Furd, there would be 5x that number cause Quality Is Job 10 behind failed EV programs and DEI initiatives.

 

[44sixpack]

I don't have an RHO but I have a TRX and a '24 ZR2. the RHO has a 6 banger so it's game over , walk away and don't look back. the TRX is better in most ways compared to the ZR2 which isn't surprising. but it's not enough better than the ZR2 that you can throw the V8 away and still be the one to choose.

My wife's ZR2 just turned over 20k and it hasn't had a single problem. I finally took it in for the 6.2 engine check and as expected it was fine and I got the free extended warranty. if I was buying a new half ton it would probably be the '27 ZR2 if I could wait just because they're new. but if I was in a hurry and found a good deal on a 6.2 '26 I'd buy it .

 

[L8TZR2]

I don't care how power is made. As being a V10 owner I could say "A V8? That's a no go, not enough cylinders."

 

[Bigfoot21075]

I don't have an RHO but I have a TRX and a '24 ZR2. the RHO has a 6 banger so it's game over , walk away and don't look back. the TRX is better in most ways compared to the ZR2 which isn't surprising. but it's not enough better than the ZR2 that you can throw the V8 away and still be the one to choose.

My wife's ZR2 just turned over 20k and it hasn't had a single problem. I finally took it in for the 6.2 engine check and as expected it was fine and I got the free extended warranty. if I was buying a new half ton it would probably be the '27 ZR2 if I could wait just because they're new. but if I was in a hurry and found a good deal on a 6.2 '26 I'd buy it .

THat is one thing I would truly miss, the V8 sound. That 6 puts out a lot more power that the LS, but it sounds like .. well a 6. I will say it has no AFM of any sort.

 

[Nmass94]

ZR2 for technical trail wheeling
RHO for desert and sand dune mobbing

 

[DBK]

I'm in a similar situation, but reversed.

Currently in a 2017 RAM 1500 Limited. 197,500 on it and it has been the best truck I've ever had. I grew up in a GM/Chevy family and all previous trucks were Chevy. I'm trying to decide between the RHO and a 3/4 ton. I want to move up to a 3/4 ton, but I really do not have a need to do so. I've driven the 2500 ZR2 and was impressed. I like the larger bed (bigger than RAM's 6'4") and I love the interior cab space. The RAM 3/4 ton cab is small. That said, when it comes to interior luxury and features, the ZR2 can not touch the RAM. However, the ZR2 3/4 ton would be less than the RAM 3/4 ton I am looking at.

Now, for the RHO, it is insane. I'm not/was not a fan of that Hurricane HO. However, after several test drives, it has grown on me. BUT.......it sounds like shit! I would miss the sound of a truck, in a bad way. The rest of the truck is absolutely incredible. Hands down, the best interior of ANY truck, of any size. The comfort is there. The looks are there. The performance is there. The interior cab space is there. Yet, the RHO (Level 1 spec'ed the way I want it) will run roughly $10,000 more than a 3/4 ton ZR2.

After driving all 3 (RHO, 3/4 ton RAM, 3/4 ton ZR2), I have no idea which direction I am going to go!

 

[AXE]

I'm in a similar situation, but reversed.

Currently in a 2017 RAM 1500 Limited. 197,500 on it and it has been the best truck I've ever had. I grew up in a GM/Chevy family and all previous trucks were Chevy. I'm trying to decide between the RHO and a 3/4 ton. I want to move up to a 3/4 ton, but I really do not have a need to do so. I've driven the 2500 ZR2 and was impressed. I like the larger bed (bigger than RAM's 6'4") and I love the interior cab space. The RAM 3/4 ton cab is small. That said, when it comes to interior luxury and features, the ZR2 can not touch the RAM. However, the ZR2 3/4 ton would be less than the RAM 3/4 ton I am looking at.

Now, for the RHO, it is insane. I'm not/was not a fan of that Hurricane HO. However, after several test drives, it has grown on me. BUT.......it sounds like shit! I would miss the sound of a truck, in a bad way. The rest of the truck is absolutely incredible. Hands down, the best interior of ANY truck, of any size. The comfort is there. The looks are there. The performance is there. The interior cab space is there. Yet, the RHO (Level 1 spec'ed the way I want it) will run roughly $10,000 more than a 3/4 ton ZR2.

After driving all 3 (RHO, 3/4 ton RAM, 3/4 ton ZR2), I have no idea which direction I am going to go!

I'd buy the Chevy and a dirt bike to put in the back.

 

[Paulie-G]

I'm a desert guy so take that for what it is.
I've driven the TRX hard in the desert.
Big, heavy and an absolute blast.
I'd be willing to bet the RHO will be more nimble and lively feeling.
I'm going to use the truck for it's intended design .
A scratch free, dent free specialty truck is a sin.
And they are all repairable and replaceable .

 

[OC ZR2]

Buying anything comes with a recall these days, BS but reality. Remember, you usually only hear about folks with problems posting or talking about it. I don't see a thread that states, "ZR2 with NO problems" because we don't have the need to tell you I've got no problems. Internet brings to light the low percent of people with problems in my honest opinion. If it's you that's had a problem, I mean no disrespect and I know it's very important to you. Just saying every vehicle built can have a problem, buy what you like and not what others say you should. I for one absolutely love mine, 56k miles now. And every damn Ram or Dodge commercial has fools doing smokey donuts, wtf! Wonder why they love the street take-overs with Chargers and Ram trucks!?

 

[Paulie-G]

Dodge had some really shady loans available.
392 isn't just the displacement, is your credit score.
Certain demographics got into the cars that way=street takeovers.
Kinda like the stated income home loans

 

[L8TZR2]

The 3rd owner rule for Hellcats is absolutely real. Falling prices falling quality of owners. It's the same with everything.